Photo credit: Zendaya (Instagram)
Zendaya has reached another major milestone in her Hollywood career.
The 29-year-old actress has reportedly been named the highest-grossing actor of 2026 after appearing in three successful movies this year. Her film slate includes The Drama, The Odyssey and Spider-Man: Brand New Day.
The achievement marks another major step for Zendaya, who first became widely known as a Disney Channel star.
Zendaya becomes 2026’s highest-grossing actor
Zendaya’s success this year highlights how far her career has come.
She first gained attention among younger audiences through Disney Channel’s Shake It Up. Since then, the actress has taken on increasingly prominent roles in film and television.
Her performance in HBO’s Euphoria helped establish her as a serious dramatic actress. The role also earned her multiple awards and expanded her audience beyond Disney Channel viewers.
Meanwhile, her appearance in the Spider-Man franchise introduced her to an even larger global audience.
Zendaya is now balancing major blockbuster projects with critically recognized performances.
Zendaya’s Hollywood career started with commercials
Before landing her Disney Channel breakthrough, Zendaya worked in commercials for brands including Macy’s and Old Navy.
She also worked as a backup dancer before auditioning for Shake It Up. The experience eventually led to her playing Rocky Blue on the Disney Channel series.
That role helped launch Zendaya’s career in entertainment.
She later moved into more mature projects, including The Greatest Showman, Euphoria and the Dune franchise.
Her career has also expanded beyond acting. Zendaya has become a major fashion figure, regularly attracting attention for her appearances at premieres, award shows and major events.
Zendaya has more major projects ahead
Zendaya’s 2026 success may not be finished yet.
Dune: Part Three is scheduled to arrive in theaters on Dec. 18. The movie could give the actress another major box-office boost before the end of the year.
She is also set to return as MJ in Spider-Man: Brand New Day, continuing one of her most recognizable roles.
With several major projects attached to her name, Zendaya’s position among Hollywood’s biggest young stars continues to grow.
Zendaya’s personal life also made headlines
Away from her acting career, Zendaya has attracted attention for her relationship with Tom Holland.
The pair have kept much of their personal life private. Reports have claimed that they married earlier this year and celebrated with a private event in the United Kingdom.
Neither Zendaya nor Holland has publicly shared extensive details about the reported wedding.
Zendaya’s growing career and private personal life have made her one of Hollywood’s most closely followed young stars.
From her early days on Disney Channel to major blockbuster franchises, her career has continued to evolve. At just 29, she has already established herself as an actress, fashion icon and box-office force.
Source: Yahoo, ABC News and Parade
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